Maldivian traditional medicine: sarubath

A. Naila
The Maldives National University,
Maldives

Keywords: physicochemical, microbiological, ash, heavy metals, aflatoxin, fatty acids, caffeine

Summary:

Maldivian traditional medicine has been used since ancient times in the Maldives. The purpose of the medicine use include to cure the common cold and other ailments. However, no studies to date has been conducted for its safety and quality assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality and safety of the traditional medicine, 'Sarubath'. The analysis carried out include phyiscochemical and microbiological analysis of the traditional products available on the Maldivian traditional pharmacy shops. The results showed that in general the products are within the safe limits stated in the international standards. However, further research is required to be continued to have a comprehensive assessments of safety and quality of these medicines.